McKinley County, New Mexico
Partial restrictions apply in McKinley: burning is permitted only with a permit or within specific exceptions.
What this means
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
Penalties in New Mexico
Violating the State Forester's restriction order is a petty misdemeanor. Escaped fires can also trigger liability for suppression costs and civil damages. Federal, Tribal and municipal restrictions carry their own separate penalties.
Classification: Petty misdemeanor · Maximum fine: up to $500, per the State Forester's restriction order
Recent status history
- Apr 6, 2026 — Partial Restrictions
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 6, 2026 | New Mexico EMNRD — Forestry Division ↗ | status: Partial Restrictions |
Neighbouring counties
Notify me when this changes
One email when McKinley county's status changes — nothing else. No newsletter, no marketing. One-click unsubscribe.
Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by New Mexico EMNRD — Forestry Division and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within McKinley county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is McKinley county under a burn ban right now?
Partial restrictions apply. New Mexico's statewide rule limits when and where you can burn today. See the "What this means" module above for the specifics.
What can I still burn in McKinley county?
Standard open burning is currently permitted, subject to any municipal ordinance in your area. Never leave a fire unattended, and keep water and a shovel nearby.
How do I report an illegal fire in McKinley county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For non-emergency violations of a burn-ban order, contact the McKinley Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.